Locke always dependable, willing to help
Sept. 15, 2002

Photo by ELIZABETH A. MUNDSCHENK William F. Locke

By MARRECCA FIORE
Observer-Dispatch

For William F. Locke, being named an honoree for the third annual Accent on Excellence award is bittersweet.

“Unfortunately, I found out the day after my father died so it was a little bit diluted,” said the 39-year-old New Hartford native. “It’s kind of funny how things like that happen. But I was definitely excited ... to be nominated and then to actually win it.”

Although he never was able to tell his late father, James C. Locke, about his win, Locke knows his father would have been proud.

“My father was very proud anyways,” he said. “His children’s success, especially later in life, became something he just thrived on.”

In her nomination letter, Kathleen Purtell described Locke as someone who is not only capable of balancing career and service, but who also excels at everything he embraces.

“He’s well-deserving of this honor,” said Purtell, who has known Locke for some eight years and is a former co-worker. “I’m glad for him to have the acknowledgement of his excellence, his dependability, his sense of community and his willingness to give of his time to help others. Bill (is) always someone you can count on. He’s very dependable and he’s involved in so many things ... but he balances everything so well.”

In addition to being a married father of two and vice president and regional investment manager for Fleet Investment Advisors, Locke also belongs to a number of organizations.

He is a St. Joseph’s Nursing Home treasurer and trustee, Sagamore Institute president and treasurer, Rutter Foundation member and trustee, a founding member of Utica Family Services Development Committee, Fort Schuyler Club vice president and member of its board of managers, Sadaquada Golf Club member, SUNY Institute of Technology at Utica/Rome trustee and a founding member and trustee of Central New York Conservancy.

“My family has always been very community-oriented, and I just believe you should give back to the community you live in,” Locke said. “And it’s a lot of fun. It’s a very, very enjoyable part of my life.”